New service for sexual diseases coming to town clinics near you

Patients with sexually transmitted diseases or contraceptive issues can benefit from a new service this month.

An integrated sexual health service is being rolled out across Lincolnshire, providing a flexible, “non-judgemental” and confidential service to anyone with sexually transmitted infections, needing advice on HIV, screening and treatment and/or contraceptive health needs.

Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) took over as the main provider of sexual health services in Lincolnshire, on behalf of Lincolnshire County Council, from Friday when it replaced the Sexual Health Service.

Paula Moody, leader of the adult public health services team at LCHS, said: “We are thrilled to be providing an extended sexual health service for the people of Lincolnshire.

“We will still be offering the services we previously provided such as FLY-Bye clinics, contraception, emergency contraception and sexual health screening, with the addition of the C-Card scheme.

“We are also working with the Terrence Higgins Trust to provide chlamydia screening and kits can be ordered through our dedicated sexual health website.

“These same services will continue to be delivered with improved access, extended opening hours and additional clinics.

Lincolnshire Integrated Health Service (LISH) will also provide outreach support through a new “clinic in a booth” mobile initiative where sexual health staff will be able to deliver services, based on need, in a confidential room where an area of the county is without a static clinic.

As well as Spalding, clinics are also available in Boston, Skegness, Stamford, Sleaford, Granthamm Louth, Lincoln and Gainsborough, with further plans for the outreach service to be delivered from a “health bus” which will be available at different locations throughout the year.

A dedicated sexual health website, with information on clinics, contraception, STIs (sexually transmitted illnesses), HIV, safer sex and the C-Card scheme is available at www.lincolnshirehealthyfamilies.nhs.uk/sexualhealth